First win for Chandigarh Comets

Special Correspondent
Powerhouse Gurjinder Singh’s drag-flicked goals helped Chandigarh Comets notch its first win in Bridgestone World Series Hockey, overturning a two-goal deficit into a pulsating 5-2 victory over Mumbai Marines on Sunday.

India custodian Adrian D’Souza gave an outstanding demonstration of reflexes and anticipation under the bar for the home team, yet the host tasted defeat.

D’Souza’s amazing show did not inspire his teammates, as a sloppy Mumbai defence and tiring midfield allowed Comets to have their way. Burly Canadian striker Sukhwinder Singh scooped the fifth goal via a penalty stroke, his second in the match.

Rehan Butt, the visitors skipper, suffered an injury and was taken to hospital.

The results: Chandigarh Comets 5 (Gurjinder Singh 2, Sukhwinder Singh 2, Ranjodh Singh) bt Mumbai Marines 2 (Troy Sutherland, Joga Singh).

At Jalandhar: Sher-E-Punjab 3 (Thakur 2, Prabhjot) drew with Pune Strykers 3 (Gurpreet, Topo 2).

Monday’s matches: Karnataka Lions vs. Bhopal Badshahs, Bangalore, 7 p.m.; Delhi Wizards vs. Chennai Cheetahs, Delhi, 9 p.m.